Did you know: Boston College is averaging 331 passing yards per game, nearly double its average (168) last season.

Army

Raymond Maples, junior running back: Maples was held to a season-low 81 yards and had his 100-yard game streak stopped at three against Stony Brook last week.

T.J. Atimalala, freshman defensive tackle: Atimalala, who is 5-foot-11 and 260 pounds, adds size to Army's front. He is likely to make his first start.

Boston College

Chase Rettig, junior quarterback: What a difference a year made for Rettig. He has nine touchdowns and just three interceptions. Last season, Rettig threw for 12 scores and nine picks.

Nick Clancy, senior linebacker: Clancy has filled the void left by Luke Kuechly, the ninth pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He's the nation's second-leading tackler (13.25 per game).

When Army has the ball

Senior quarterback Trent Steelman needs to spread out the ball to running backs Raymond Maples and Malcolm Brown to keep pace with Boston College. Army's offensive line, which likely will be without starting center Ryan Powis (groin) for the second straight game, must create more space inside for fullback Larry Dixon. The short pass of 5 to 7 yards should be open for Army's wide receivers Patrick Laird and Chevaughn Lawrence. Boston College struggles stopping the run, allowing 192 yards per game. Eagles 6-foot-8, 285-pound defensive end Brian Mihalik could be a matchup nightmare. The defense is designed for linebackers Nick Clancy and Kevin Pierre-Louis to make plays.

When BC has the ball

Boston College has opened its offense under first-year coordinator Doug Martin. Alex Amidon and Johnathan Coleman are quality targets for junior quarterback Chase Rettig (1,287 yards). Amidon plays bigger than his size (5-foor-11, 195 pounds). Boston College's offensive line averages 306 pounds, but junior running back Andre Williams has only 178 yards in four games. Army's secondary will be without senior cornerback Josh Jackson (groin). Freshman free safety Brandon Fusilier-Jeffires is likely out with an injury. Sophomore Marques Avery and senior Ty Shrader need to step up. Senior linebacker Nate Combs has four of Army's six sacks and has created two of team's four turnovers.

Army freshman kicker Dan Grochowski has made his last two field goals. Eric Osteen has booted 10 of his 17 kicks for touchbacks. Boston College kicker Nate Freese had made all eight of his field goals and is 12-for-12 in extra points. Spiffy Evans returned a punt 82 yards for a score against Maine.

Army coach Rich Ellerson and Boston College's Frank Spaziani are desperate for a win. The Black Knights haven't started a season 0-5 since 2005. Boston College is looking to avoid its second straight 1-4 start. Army hasn't defeated a Football Bowl Subdivision team in 370 days, or since Tulane on Oct. 1, 2011.

1 Get junior running back Raymond Maples involved early. Maples, Army's leading rusher, has just 28 first-quarter yards in his last two games.

2 Keep the ball away from Boston College. Army's longest drive was 4 minutes and 6 seconds in a 23-3 loss to Stony Brook. The Black Knights need to keep their defense fresh.

3 Dial up pressure on Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig. Rettig is pocket thrower, who has been sacked just five times in 175 attempts this season.

6-6: Average height of Boston College's defensive line.

8: Straight losses by Army. Team's last win was 55-0 over Fordham last October.

18: Army first downs against Stony Brook. The Black Knights had 57 in previous two games.